What is the difference between poetry and prose?
Prose consists of sentences arranged in paragraphs. An essay is written in prose, as is, for example, a novel. It is expected that the standard conventions of language are observed and that the language is straightforward, as compared with poetry. Poetry consists of lines arranged in stanzas. It generally contains more figurative language that prose. Poetry is generally short. Epic poems are an exception, of course. But the point is that a defining characteristic of poetry is that it compacts much meaning into few words. One other defining characteristic of poetry is that is nearly always has meter, or rhythm. The second part of your question is dependent entirely on the purpose of the writing. But see below for a prose and poetry treatment of the same material. http://www.writing.com/main/view_item/it…
